Breath

Breathing is a much more complex process than simply inhaling and exhaling. It is not only necessary for life, but also greatly impacts both the length and quality of a person’s life. Tibetan monks, Indian mystics, Chinese doctors, and sages who lived among the ancient civilisations that once inhabited the planet, all understood that breathing correctly meant leading healthier lives that lasted longer.

The Chinese philosophy of Tao dedicated seven books to the breath, outlining its healing power, as well as the dangers that it presents; breath and spirit are one and the same for Hindus; Buddhists use the breath to access ever higher levels of awareness; some American Indian tribes taught their children how to breathe to help them grow stronger.

Today, however, following thousands of years of evolution, just when technology and medicine have made great strides forward, we must face the facts: of all the animals on the planet, human beings are the worst at breathing, and this has had some serious repercussions on our health. Millions of people around the world, especially in richer countries, suffer from chronic sinusitis, obstructed airways, asthma, and sleep apnoea, and there are many other health issues that can be traced back to incorrect breathing, from high blood pressure to being overweight, as well as autoimmune diseases and attention deficit disorders. 

Learning to breathe again, according to the teachings of our ancestors, going back hundreds and even thousands of years ago, is the key to living a healthier life.